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To set up a firewall in Android, you need root access. The iptables Linux firewall can then be used to regulate network traffic on your cell phone.
More security for Android – How to set up the firewall
There are a number of firewall solutions for Android cell phones in the Google Play Store. One of them is the free app “AFWall+”.
- Download the Android app from the Google Play Store, install it on your smartphone and open the tool. You must allow the request for root rights.
- Now you will see a list of your installed Android apps. At the top, you will see the text “Mode: White list”. If this mode is activated, all network activity is blocked by default and only the apps you have selected can use the internet connection.
- However, we recommend the blacklist mode, where you only select the apps you want to block. To do this, tap on the text and then select “Black list”.
- Next to each app name, you will see two fields on the left, one for Wi-Fi and one for the mobile data network. If you check both boxes for an app, all network traffic from that app will be blocked.
- If you only want to save data traffic, you can leave the check mark in the Wi-Fi column blank. You should not check any important apps such as the browser. Note: In whitelist mode, the settings are of course reversed.
- Once you have set the firewall settings for all your Android apps, tap the menu button on your smartphone. Here you select “Apply rules” and then click on “Firewall disabled” to activate your Android firewall.
- After that, the bar should turn green and the text “Firewall activated” or “Firewall enabled” should appear (depending on the version).
- Tip: If you want to protect the firewall settings with a password, click the menu button in the Android app, then click “More” and select “Create password”.
More alternatives for an Android firewall
In addition to AFWall+, there are other apps that can help you set up a firewall for an Android device. Just like in the first example, these apps require root access.
- Free alternatives would be Netguard, InviZible Pro or Rethink. The latter also offers a VPN option at the same time.
- If you want an app that doesn’t require root access, Firewall No Root would be an option. Firewall Security – No Root also offers you this option.
- No matter which app you choose, most of them come with a pro version that has to be purchased after downloading. However, you can also get the necessary functions without an extension.
